ACP Free Tablet (Program Ended)
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. Here's what happened, why ACP tablet offers you see today are outdated, and what to use instead.
If you're still searching for an ACP free tablet in 2026, it's important to know upfront: the Affordable Connectivity Program has been closed to new applicants since early 2024. Any website currently advertising a new ACP tablet application is out of date at best, or a scam at worst.
What the ACP was
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal benefit that provided monthly internet discounts and a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. It was genuinely popular and helped millions of households afford internet service and a connected device.
Why ACP ended
Congress did not extend funding for the program, and the FCC officially closed it to new enrollments in February 2024. Existing enrollees kept their discount only until the program's funding ran out shortly after. There is no announced federal replacement with an identical device discount as of this writing.
What to use instead of ACP
Lifeline for ongoing service discounts
The Lifeline program remains active and provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service, along with occasional provider-specific device promotions.
Nonprofit refurbishers for hardware
For affordable hardware, turn to national nonprofit organizations like PCs for People or Human-I-T, which continue to operate independently of ACP's funding status.
State and provider promotions
Some Lifeline providers still offer strong promotions on tablets and phones as part of new customer sign-up, separate from any federal device discount.
How to move forward
- Stop applying to any site claiming to offer "new ACP" enrollment — it cannot be genuine.
- Apply for Lifeline instead, using the same qualifying benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and others).
- Use the Finder Tool to find active nonprofit and provider programs currently serving your state.
Official resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get an ACP free tablet?
No. ACP closed to new enrollments in February 2024 and its funding has since run out entirely. Any website promising a new ACP tablet today is outdated or misleading.
What replaced the Affordable Connectivity Program?
There is no identical federal replacement with the same device discount as of our last verification. The closest active alternative is the Lifeline program for service discounts, plus nonprofit refurbishers for hardware.
I was enrolled in ACP before it ended — do I still get the discount?
No. ACP funding fully lapsed after the program closed to new applicants in February 2024, and the discount is no longer applied to any household's bill.
Is a site offering 'ACP 2.0' or a 'new ACP' legitimate?
Treat any such claim with serious skepticism and verify it against official FCC.gov announcements before providing any information. As of this writing, no federal ACP successor program exists.